Intuit’s ‘Free’ Tax Help Ads Ruled Deceptive by FTC Judge

Intuit Inc.’s promotion of some of its tax preparation services as free was found to be deceptive in a legal case brought by the Federal Trade Commission, according to the company.

The agency sought a court order barring Intuit’s advertising, saying its TurboTax program lures customers with a “free” product that millions of consumers couldn’t use for their specialized tax returns. An administrative law judge on Friday sided with the FTC in an order sealed from public view. Intuit said it will appeal the ruling.

Millions of Americans file their taxes each year using TurboTax software and online ...